University convocation honors faculty

Faculty members who have completed 25 years of service to CSUEB stand for a round of audience applause.

March 3, 2009

By Monique Beeler

Led by flag bearers representing the four colleges of Cal State East Bay, a procession of University leadership, faculty and award recipients wearing regalia kicked off the 2009 Faculty Honors Convocation Feb. 27 in the new University Union.

"We're all gathered here to honor the milestones and honors of our faculty," President Mo Qayoumi said.

Honorees included the recipient of the outstanding professor award for 2008 and faculty who were awarded tenure, emeritus status or completed 25 years of service.

City of Hayward Mayor Mike Sweeney '72 joined those assembled to honor CSUEB faculty.

"Dr. Gillani's teaching style is highly regarded by his students who are teachers themselves," Hedrick said. "He brings together instructional and professional excellence."

Gillani, a professor of educational technology, delivered a 20-minute presentation about teaching techniques that can change students' brain chemistry in ways that help them retain information longer. Gillani has been a pioneer in using the Internet as an educational tool.

"As a first generation immigrant to the United States, I would never ever — at 16 when I came here — conceived of a day I would be a professor, much less an outstanding professor at an esteemed university," he said. "It's (because of) the support of three major areas that this honor has been bestowed on me."

Gillani said he was indebted to the administration and to faculty and staff.

"But most important is the students," he said. "I am very student-centric."